Valkenburg is a little town in Netherlands in the picturesque Geul valley and this Valkenburg travel guide will give you pertinent information for your travel. Also known as Valkenburg aan de Geul, this town is one the most popular tourist locations in Netherlands.

Although the city of Valkenburg has a strong history evident in the some of the popular tourist attractions, the city has a quiet and relaxed atmosphere.

History of Valkenburg

The city of Valkenburg was first mentioned in 1041 which referred to the old city of Valkenburg. However, the history of Valkenburg is filled with sieges and conquests which is why visitors can find several ruins in the areas. Most of the historical landmarks in Valkenburg have been restored since each time an event occurs subsequent restoration of the city follows.

This fortified city still holds some remnants of its fortification including the part of its former city walls and 2 city gates. Although rulers are no longer overseeing the city, the importance of the lineage still remains and is evident with an ongoing legend that every male born in royalty has a birth mark on his chest.

Geography of Valkenburg

Valkenburg has a total area of 36.91 square kilometers with over 17,000 inhabitants. It is surrounded by hills but the land is mostly level. The city features a hilly terrain which is great for hiking and cycling. The city is known for its cycling trails so going on a cycling tour is one of the best ways to explore the city.

Main Attractions of Valkenburg

Valkenburg is one of the more popular tourist destinations in Netherlands because it is characterized by historical remains and wonderful geographical boundaries. There are several notable attractions in the area including the popular Valkenburg Castle which is the only castle in Netherlands built on top of a hill.

The caves, which the city is known for, also draw a lot of tourists. The caves were said to be used during the Roman times to store building materials and one can find engravings in these caves as well. Cave Aquarium is probably the most popular among these caves. Aside from the caves, the catacombs are also popular which date back to the early Roman period.

There are also several museums, amusement parks and historical buildings that line the streets of Valkenburg and just outside of the city visitors can explore several picturesque villages surrounded by greenery.